Arada, the UAE’s newest developer, has awarded the infrastructure design contract for Aljada, the largest ever mixed-use project in Sharjah, to leading professional services firm Jacobs Engineering Group.

The contract forms part of the overall Dh1.2-billion ($326 million) infrastructure package for Aljada, which will see Jacobs managing all aspects of infrastructure delivery for the project, including roads, water, power and drainage, ensuring full integration with the overall masterplan.

Aljada, a master-planned destination with a sales value of Dh24 billion that is set to transform the future of Sharjah, was unveiled by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, during an exclusive ceremony in September last year.

Since then, and helped by Arada’s first appearance at the Cityscape Global real estate showpiece, the 24-million-sq-ft project has become Sharjah’s fastest-selling residential community.

The contract award follows a busy start to the year for Aljada and the developer.

Early last month, Arada had announced that it had secured a Dh1 billion Islamic financing facility with two major UAE banks, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank, to help fund the development of Aljada.

To be delivered in phases starting in 2019, construction on Aljada will begin in the first quarter and the entire project is expected to be completed by 2025.